Medical

Alternative Medicine

LT-0500

Programs that offer health care and treatment procedures that fall outside the mainstream of conventional medical practice. Most alternative approaches provide preventive care in addition to treatment of established conditions, define health as more than just the absence of disease, focus on natural healing as the treatment of choice, avoid invasive procedures to the extent possible, and approach individuals holistically dealing with their mental, emotional and spiritual needs in addition to the physical body. Many have their origins in the medical systems of non-Western cultures or in ancient healing traditions. Some alternative therapies are used instead of traditional Western "biomedical" procedures; others are complementary, used in addition to conventional care.

Assistive Technology Equipment Provision Options

LH-0650

Programs that provide access to cognitive/learning aids, control and signaling aids, daily living aids, hearing augmentation aids, mobility aids, prosthetic/orthotic/seating devices, recreational aids, speech aids and/or visual/reading aids on a custom design, loan, rental, sale or resale basis; which provide immediate cash or loans to help people who have insufficient resources to acquire the equipment they need; which modify commercial products to fit an individual's specific needs; or which repair equipment that is broken.

Assistive Technology Training

LH-2700.0600

Programs that provide training for individuals who have physical or sensory limitations and/or for their caregivers which focuses on the care and utilization of the particular type of assistive technology product they require and changes the devices might require in their lives. Assistive technology training may deal with cognitive/learning aids, control and signaling aids, daily living aids, hearing augmentation aids, mobility aids, prosthetic/orthotic/seating devices, recreational aids, speech aids and/or visual aids.

Brain Injury Assessment

LF-4900.1200

Programs that conduct medical tests to determine the extent of brain injuries and the type of treatment and rehabilitation that are needed. Brain injuries may be hereditary, congenital, degenerative or acquired. Acquired brain injuries include central nervous system injury from physical trauma, anoxia or hypoxic episodes and allergic conditions, toxic substances, and other acute medical/clinical incidents.

Community Clinics

LN-1500

Consumer-based, community-controlled, nonprofit outpatient facilities that provide basic health care including physical examinations, immunizations, family planning, nutrition assistance and diagnosis and treatment of common ailments for low income people, people who are homeless or uninsured/underinsured or other medically underserved populations that are geographically, economically and culturally challenged. Services are generally provided on an ability-to-pay basis. In the U.S., most community clinics are part of the network of Federally Qualified Health Centers, and many are known as "free clinics".

Family Planning

LJ-2000

Programs that provide assistance for people who want to control the size of their families and the spacing of their children, usually through some form of birth control; who want to explore options for conceiving; who have a problem with infertility; or who have questions about the advisability of becoming pregnant or following through with a current pregnancy.

General Acute Care Hospitals

LL-3000.2500

Health care facilities that are licensed to operate 24 hours per day and offer diagnostic and treatment services as well as emergency and critical care services for people who have any of a variety of illnesses or injuries which require immediate, short-term intervention.

HIV Testing

LF-4900.2400

Programs that offer HIV tests which are used to identify individuals who have been infected with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and are at risk for developing AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome) or which are used to measure progression of the disease in people known to be infected. The most common HIV screening test is the enzyme immunoassay (EIA) which most frequently uses peripheral blood drawn from the arm or a finger as a sample, but can also be conducted using serum, oral fluids or urine. Repeatedly reactive EIA tests are confirmed using the Western blot or the immunofluorescence assay (IFA). The most common test that is used to measure disease progression is the PCR (polymeraise chain reaction) or viral load test. Many programs that provide HIV testing also provide pre-testing and post-test counseling which includes information about AIDS/HIV, reducing risks for HIV transmission, emotional support to help the individual deal with the testing process and test results, and information about and referral to other AIDS-related services.

Hospital/Clinic Based Telemedicine

LV-8500.3100

Programs that utilize computer technology and telecommunications equipment to connect medical specialists with health care providers and their patients who live in rural areas or in other settings where advanced medical care is unavailable. Telemedicine brings medical consultations, follow-up care and educational services directly to rural physicians and hospitals or other participating health care institutions, enabling patients and their families to receive the best available health care without having to leave their communities.

In Home Assistance

PH-3300

Programs that provide assistance in performing routine household, yard and personal care activities for older adults, people with disabilities, eligible low income people, families whose normal routines have been disrupted by an emergency or others who need or want these services. The objective of in-home assistance is to help the recipient sustain independent living in a clean, safe and healthy home environment.

Indian Health Service Clinics

LN-3300

Health centers, health stations and other outpatient facilities operated by the Indian Health Service that provide ambulatory medical care, preventive and outpatient rehabilitation services for members of federally recognized American Indian and Alaska Native Tribes.

Medical Information Lines

TJ-3200.5000

Programs that provide telephone information about specific health and health-related topics including specific diseases and conditions, birth control, alcohol and drug abuse, mental health, safety and other similar topics. Included are programs that have tapes on specific topics that people can select and access through a central number which are then played over the telephone, those that are staffed by live operators who have medical expertise and who answer questions directly, and those that provide medical information via an Internet website.

Non-Emergency Medical Transportation

BT-4500.6500-500

Programs that provide nonemergency transportation for individuals who require routine medical services and who, because of financial problems or their physical condition, are unable to use other available means of local transportation.

Physical Therapy

LR-6600

Programs that evaluate joint motion, muscle strength and endurance, heart and lung function and the ability of people to perform activities of daily living; and utilize the therapeutic properties of exercise, heat, cold, electricity, ultraviolet, water, manipulation and massage to improve circulation, strengthen muscles, reduce pain and restore mobility to people who have been disabled by a stroke, arthritis, back or spinal cord injuries or other debilitating conditions. Physical therapists practice in a variety of settings including hospitals, private offices, outpatient clinics, rehabilitation centers, developmental centers, home health agencies, schools and pediatric centers.

Sexual Assault Treatment

LT-1750.7935

Programs that provide specialized medical care for adults and/or children who have been sexually assaulted. Treatment includes an examination for internal and external injuries, collection of physical evidence of the assault, and preventive care and/or treatment in case of venereal disease or pregnancy. Treatment is generally confidential and physical evidence of the assault is not shared with investigating authorities without the consent of the patient. Services are often provided by emergency room staff at a hospital or other health care facility and may include other crisis advocates/representatives.

Veterans Affairs Medical Centers

Wellness Programs

LH-2700.9500

Programs that offer individual and/or group sessions which assist participants to understand how their lifestyle impacts their physical and mental health and to develop personal practices that enhance their total well-being. Wellness programs are holistic and combine a variety of components which may include a general physical examination that is tailored to the individual's needs; an evaluation of the person's pattern of exercise, eating habits, sources of stress and other lifestyle elements that are potential risk factors; and the development and implementation of an individualized plan for prevention management and early intervention to optimize health and performance which may include physical fitness sessions, nutrition counseling, stress reduction techniques, biofeedback, practice in assuming responsibility for one's choices, and other specific measures for avoiding physical and mental health problems.

Women's Health Centers

LN-9500

Programs that provide comprehensive diagnostic and treatment services which focus on conditions that are typically seen in women. Women's health centers provide services in an emotionally supportive and safe environment, and place emphasis on educational programs that encourage women to take personal responsibility for their own health and wellness.